Course of the Week – Silloth on Solway

During a glittering amateur career spanning the early part of the 20th century, Miss Cecil Leitch won four British, five French, one Canadian and two English championships. She transformed the women?s game with her powerful, straight hitting and unique swing.

It was a technique that was made necessary by, and developed because of, the nature of her home course. Leitch grew up in Silloth and learned the game over the narrow fairways and long, demanding holes of Silloth on Solway.

Throughout the latter part of the 19th century, railway companies used golf as a way to attract passengers to some less popular destinations. The North British Railway Company targeted Silloth and in 1892 Silloth on Solway Golf Club was founded. Willie Park and Willie Fernie were appointed to advise on the construction of a course.

With views north to the hills of Galloway, south to the Lake District and west to the Isle of Man, this is a magnificent setting for a golf course. Through the decades Silloth has been the venue for some significant events, including the Ladies British Amateur and Open Regional Qualifying.

The course provides an exacting test. With heather, pot bunkers and harsh rough guarding slender fairways the ability to hit a straight ball is essential. The small greens are notoriously difficult to find,

with many featuring treacherous run-offs that can turn a promising green-bound shot into a tricky up-and-down.

A friendly reception to any club will greatly improve people?s perceptions and Silloth clearly recognises this. The club is famed for its welcoming atmosphere. On top of this it?s one of the UK?s best value courses. With green fees as little as £35 per round there are few championship venues where one can enjoy such a high quality of golf at such a low price.

ADDRESS: The Club House, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4BL

T: 016973 32404

W: sillothgolfclub.co.uk

STATS: par 72, SSS 70, 6,335 yards

GF: £35-£48

Designer:

Opened:

GM TOP 120 RANKING: 31